Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • No baking required – I love skipping the oven, especially on hot summer days.

  • Customizable – I can switch up flavors, colors, and toppings depending on the occasion.

  • Make-ahead friendly – These store beautifully in the freezer.

  • Kid-friendly fun – It’s a perfect project to share with little helpers.

  • Budget-friendly – With just a few ingredients, this recipe is easy on the wallet.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • 1 (8-ounce) container of Cool Whip, thawed

  • 1 package (3.4 ounces) of instant pudding mix – I use vanilla, chocolate, butterscotch, lemon, or pistachio

  • 1 cup powdered sugar

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • Food coloring (optional)

  • Sprinkles or colored sugar (optional)

Directions

  1. Mix the Ingredients
    In a mixing bowl, I combine the thawed Cool Whip, instant pudding mix, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. I mix until it becomes thick and creamy. A hand mixer makes this quick, but mixing by hand works well too.

  2. Optional: Add Color
    To match a holiday or party theme, I stir in a few drops of food coloring. Sometimes I divide the mixture into smaller bowls and make multiple colors.

  3. Prepare a Tray
    I line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper, making sure it fits in my freezer.

  4. Shape the Candies
    I use a spoon or cookie scoop to portion out the mixture. For fun shapes, I sometimes pipe it using a pastry bag.

  5. Decorate
    I top each candy with sprinkles, colored sugar, or crushed nuts for texture and visual appeal.

  6. Freeze Until Firm
    I place the tray in the freezer for 2–3 hours until the candies are solid. They should be firm but creamy inside.

  7. Enjoy!
    Once frozen, I serve them straight from the freezer. They melt in the mouth like a cloud of sweetness.

  8. Storage Tips
    I store leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: About 24 candies, depending on size

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes

  • Freezing Time: 2–3 hours

  • Total Time: Around 3 hours including chilling

Variations

  • Chocolate Delight: Chocolate pudding + mini chocolate chips

  • Lemon Dream: Lemon pudding + yellow coloring + crushed lemon candies

  • Birthday Cake: Vanilla pudding + rainbow sprinkles

  • Mint Chocolate: Chocolate pudding + green coloring + chopped Andes mints

  • Pumpkin Spice: Pumpkin spice pudding + cinnamon sugar topping

I sometimes mix in cookie crumbs, Oreos, or candy cane pieces for fun textures and flavors.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: I store the candies in a sealed container in the freezer. They last up to 2 weeks.

  • Serving: These are best enjoyed frozen or just slightly softened at room temperature.

  • No reheating needed: Since they’re served cold, there’s no need to heat them.

FAQs

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?

I can, but store-bought Cool Whip holds up better in the freezer due to stabilizers. Homemade whipped cream may soften too much.

How long do these last in the freezer?

Stored properly in an airtight container, they stay fresh for up to 2 weeks.

Can I use sugar-free pudding mix?

Yes, sugar-free pudding works fine. I taste and adjust the sweetness with powdered sweetener if needed.

Is this candy gluten-free?

It can be. I make sure to use a certified gluten-free pudding mix and check all ingredients for gluten.

Can I add mix-ins to the batter?

Absolutely. I’ve added crushed cookies, candies, and chopped nuts before freezing. It gives the candy extra flair and texture.

Conclusion

Easy Cool Whip Candy is one of my favorite simple treats—light, creamy, and endlessly customizable. Whether I’m making it for a party, a holiday dessert tray, or just for myself on a quiet evening, it’s always a hit. The nostalgic flavor and no-bake ease make this a recipe I return to again and again. Give it a try, and I bet it’ll become a favorite in your kitchen too.

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Easy Cool Whip Candy

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  • Author: Mia
  • Total Time: Around 3 hours
  • Yield: About 24 candies (depending on size)
  • Diet: Vegetarian
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Description

A fun, no-bake treat made with Cool Whip, instant pudding, and powdered sugar—customizable with colors and sprinkles for any occasion or holiday.

Ingredients

1 (8-ounce) container of Cool Whip, thawed

1 (3.4-ounce) package of instant pudding mix (vanilla, chocolate, butterscotch, lemon, or pistachio)

1 cup powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Food coloring (optional)

Sprinkles or colored sugar (optional)

Instructions

Mix Ingredients: Combine Cool Whip, instant pudding mix, powdered sugar, and vanilla in a mixing bowl. Mix until thick and creamy.

Add Color (Optional): Stir in food coloring, or divide the mix into bowls and tint each differently for variety.

Prepare Tray: Line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper.

Shape Candies: Use a spoon, cookie scoop, or piping bag to shape the mixture onto the tray.

Decorate: Top with sprinkles, sugar, or nuts as desired.

Freeze: Freeze for 2–3 hours until firm.

Serve: Enjoy straight from the freezer or allow to soften slightly before serving.

Notes

Use flavored pudding to create themed variations (chocolate, lemon, mint, etc.).

Cool Whip ensures stable texture—homemade whipped cream may not freeze as well.

For extra texture, fold in crushed cookies, candies, or chopped nuts.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2–3 hours
  • Category: Dessert, Candy
  • Method: No-Bake, Freezer
  • Cuisine: American

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